A Strategy for Woodworking #5: The Fit Again

In joinery the fit of your pieces is like the fit of your shoes on your feet. If you can toss your shoes off your feet as you hit the couch, too loose. If you shoe horn them in, perfect. A good fitting joint fits snug. No pounding together but it shouldn’t fall apart either. It’s a balance you learn to achieve by sneaking up on it. Learn to use your shoulder plane and you’ll be happy no matter how you cut a tenon joint. Finesse the fit.

1 comment so far

When I first started making furniture, I would pound the joints together with a mallet. I soon realized a good friction fit is all you need. Especially if the joint is well planned out, with good mechanical strength.

I agree with your approach of sneaking up on the fit.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush